Page 20 - Cribbs FC v Bishops Cleeve 010424

The History of Bishops Cleeve A.F.C.

Founded 1905

County Members Gloucestershire Football Association
Southern League History 2006 – present day
Hellenic League History 1983 – 2006
Principal honours – Hellenic League Champions 2021/22:
Glos. Senior Challenge Trophy Runners-Up 2011/12 & 2015/16
=====

In their long history Bishops Cleeve have led a much more nomadic existence than
many clubs but have now been settled in the impressive Kayte Lane ground since
1997. For many years the club played on a ground in Stoke Road – with facilities
rebuilt and reopened in 1971 by the then secretary of the Football Association, Ted
Croker. The enforced move to Kayte Lane came about due to the old ground being
sold by the landlord.
The club enjoyed a brief period of success in the late 60s – gaining promotion from
the Cheltenham League and winning four Championships in their six seasons in the
Glos. Northern Senior League.
After dropping back to the Cheltenham League, Cleeve gained promotion into the
Hellenic League in 1983, quickly becoming a force in that division, finishing fourth
in their first two seasons in Div. One. This great start was followed up with a third-
place finish, then winning the Championship and gaining promotion to the Premier
Division at the fourth attempt, and winning the ‘double’ by adding the Glos.
Amateur Cup. A fantastic achievement.
The five seasons in the Premier Division proved to be a struggle for the Club,
although the team followed up their Cup success by adding another trophy to their
collection, winning the Premier Cup at the first attempt. The return to Division One
proved the catalyst for a period of rebuilding, on and off the pitch.
The Club needed to enter into a number of ground share agreements to preserve
their League status – Forest Green Rovers, Moreton Town, Wollen Sports and
Highworth all allowed us to use their grounds. This difficult period galvanised our
club members, and the club was kept running by the dedicated efforts of a few
stalwarts – notably Cheltenham Town legend, Dave Lewis, whose efforts were
recognised by Carling Brewery, awarding him their ‘Clubman of the Year’ accolade
(and a year’s supply of beer!)
After approval for the Kayte Lane site was given in 1997, club members started the
building of the clubhouse and changing rooms – using materials kindly donated by
Smiths Aerospace (now GE Aviation) There followed a great transformation in the
team’s fortunes, and they duly secured another promotion in 2001 back to the
Hellenic Premier Division. In order to take this opportunity the club entered into
another ground share at Evesham United!